Students learn firefighting skills on GRIT course

A group of 10 students were given the chance to learn firefighting skills as part of the GRIT (Gaining Resilience In Teamwork) programme.

Handling high pressure water hoses, extinguishing fires and climbing ladders was all part of the excitement and enjoyment of the course. On the more serious side students had to learn about health and safety so that they could use ladders and specialist equipment without the risk of injury either to themselves or others.

The course, led by professional firefighters from the West Yorkshire Fire Service, was held on one afternoon each week over a 10 week period. The course aims to inspire, enthuse and engage students who have experienced difficulties in their education throughout the year. It seeks to teach employability skills and boost confidence among young people. The students taking part were challenged to focus on discipline and activities outside of their normal comfort zone.

In taking part in the programme students were able to gain valuable experience by working on various practical tasks with serving firefighters at Dewsbury Fire Station. They were further provided with a number of opportunities to engage them in team building activities, physical tasks and classroom based study sessions.

The course also included first aid training. All of the students taking part successfully completed this aspect of the course, gaining an award in first aid.

Students taking part really enjoyed the programme and felt that they had benefitted from the training drills which had enabled them to develop and demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills.

The student group was coordinated by Year Leader, Mrs Stevens. She told us: “All of the students taking part thoroughly enjoyed the course and I am really proud of their achievements. The course has provided our students with a fabulous opportunity to really engage and learn vital new skills which will prepare them for the future.”

At the end of the course the students were invited to a graduation ceremony, where they took part in a display of the firefighting skills they had learned before been awarded their certificates for successfully completing the course.